Security Guard Training & Programs in Ohio

Security Guard Training in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati OH

The state of Ohio does not require a security guard to have a license if they work for a licensed private security company. What this means is a security company in Ohio must go through the proper licensing protocol, but then when they hire security guards to work for them those guards do not need a license through the state of Ohio. Security guards are just employees of security companies. The security company itself sets the standards by which they hire. Once a security company hires an employee, they must register that employee with the state of Ohio. This will be part of the hiring paperwork, and is a short one page application (most of which is filled out by the security company). Most security companies in Ohio require that security guards be at least 18, and have successfully finished high school, having achieved their diploma or GED certificate. Also, security guard companies will do a background check to ensure that the people they are hiring are upstanding and respectable citizens. In addition, some security companies in Ohio require drug testing. Therefore, the best way to be hired as an unarmed security guard in Ohio is to begin applying for any open jobs with security companies in Ohio. The company itself will oversee the security guard training process. Security training can happen onsite, or the hiring company may send you for security guard training elsewhere.

If you are looking to start your own Security Guard Company or business in Ohio you will need to go through the Ohio government private investigator security guard services to obtain your license. This is a much more in depth process. Applicants should have gone to college for at least 2 years and have a degree in Criminal Justice or a related field. Applicants must go through fingerprinting, and additional checks to ensure they do not have a criminal history. Ohio security license applications must also have photographs, proof of driver’s license and letters of recommendation. Also, applicants in the state of Ohio must have at least 2 years of experience working security for another company within the state.

Ohio Criminal Justice Degree

If you are thinking about long term goals for your security guard career in Ohio, you may want to go to a community college for an associate’s degree in criminal justice (or another related field) while working as a security guard for an Ohio security company. The experience and the degree would equip you to further your career, by either obtaining a license to work for yourself or to go into another sector of law enforcement in Ohio. Private investigator and private security guards in Ohio need only have a minimum of 2 years of experience in order to obtain a license. This means if you work for Security Company for 2 years, you may then go through the licensing process in Ohio and then work for yourself. Most security guards in Ohio do not go this route, however, as it can be difficult to build a client base and make your business successful.

Ohio Security Guard License

Part of the security guard licensing process in Ohio includes a state exam through the Department of Public Safety. Again, this is only for individuals who are looking to obtain licensing to work for themselves, or start their own security services company in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati or whichever area of OH they choose. This Ohio state exam tests the applicants knowledge on laws and skills related to security services. Most of the exam is closely related to Ohio state laws and rules regarding law enforcements and public safety.

All of this, and more information can be found on the Ohio Department of Private Investigators and Security Guard Services website at: http://pisgs.ohio.gov

Armed Security Guards in Ohio

In Ohio, armed security guards also need to be registered with the state by their company of employment. Not only do they need to be registered, they also need to have a permit to carry weapons, and have an Ohio security guard license. It is important to be aware that there are much more stringent requirements for armed security guards in Ohio than for unarmed security guards. Security guards need to take Ohio firearms safety and training courses. They also can’t undergo the Ohio firearms training unless they have already reached the age of 21, and have an Ohio state driver’s license. Those wishing to pursue armed guard licensing in Ohio must already work for an Ohio security company and they also must be under the supervision of a licensed patrol officer. All of these items are set in place to ensure that the people working as armed guards in Ohio are adequately trained and responsible. Carrying a weapon on the job is a very serious matter in Ohio. There are a lot of safety concerns for the person working with weapons as well as the people they come in contact with on the job. This is why Ohio requires such stringent requirements of their armed security guards.

Cleveland, Cincinnati, & Columbus OH Security Guard Jobs

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Cleveland, Elyria, Mentor, OH area has nearly 10,000 security jobs on record. The Cincinnati, Middletown, OH-KY-IN area has over 6,000 jobs, followed by Columbus OH, which is approaching 6,000 jobs as well. Other areas with strong employment statistics include: Toledo (2,280), Dayton (2,170), Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA (1,480), and Akron (1,220). For Ohio security guard jobs in your local area, search here.

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